Have an App Idea? 3 Ways That Will Help You Get It Live

As of May 2017,2.2 million iOS apps are live in Apple’s app store. That’s 200,000 more than June 2016 and 700,000 more than the year before that.

Still, this doesn’t factor in the number of iPad, Apple Watch, and Apple TV apps available in the App store. Nor does it come close to the total number of apps across all application stores, including Google Play, Amazon Appstore and Samsung Galaxy Apps to name a few.

It’s safe to say, the total number of live apps easily averages in the millions, with more to add in the not-so-distant future. Interested in creating one of them? Read on to learn 3 ways that will help make this possible.

1. How much does it cost to make an app?

Costs are one of the first components to take into account. Of course, cost depends on a number of factors, such as who you hire and type of development.

Who You Hire

You have several options, experienced versus inexperienced and in-house versus outsourcing being two crucial ones.

With an experienced developer, you’ll most likely have a better-quality app; however, it’s going to cost you more. The opposite is true for the reverse, but there’s always a chance you strike gold and find a talented developer just starting his/her career.

The same goes for in-house versus outsourcing. In-house is usually the more expensive option, but you can monitor the app’s progress easier than overseas.

Development Route

Typically, developers follow one of three routes: waterfall, agile, or a hybrid of the two.

Waterfall Method

Waterfall is your traditional development method, where methodical and systematic record keeping is managed every step of the way. Going into the developing stages, developers know exactly what they need to do, as there’s been extensive initial planning.

This makes it possible for new developers to jump onto the project in the middle and not need to “catch up.”

However, suppose you come up with another idea to add to the app, the waterfall model makes it difficult (maybe even impossible) for developers to incorporate it into the code.

Also, because the waterfall method is heavily dependent on the initial planning, any faulty start could spell out disaster for the rest of the project.

Agile Method

Compared to the waterfall method, the agile development style is more flexible; in other words, developers write the code as they go.

The fluid framework calls for extensive teamwork, where development occurs in 1-2 week long sprints. Because of this, it may be harder for new team members to jump onboard.

Nonetheless, if you do come up with an idea for the app mid-development, you can usually apply it. However, since this method is very fluid, you will not know exactly what your app looks like from the get-go.

Of course, you can always integrate elements of these two methods that best aligns with your application goals. (You can also employ development resources fromStackify.com to help you with the app creation process.)

2. How much time will it take to develop the app?

Apps typically take anywhere from 3-6 months. (Note that there are exceptions, with some apps developed under 2 months and others taking years.)

Still, the level of design, advancement of features and type of device and number of devices the app is for will determine the length of development time.

3. What do you need?

At the minimum, you’ll need $600 to several thousand to fund the app: hire developers, designers, and marketers. Plus, the device the app will be for, and a developer’s license.

Final Thoughts

It takes skill, determination, and some luck for an app to go live. Use these tips will help you get started.

Before launch, we recommend creating ateaser website, press releases and blog content, as well as social media pages for your app. That way, you’ll be off to a profitable start when you go live.